Jasper Redevelopment Authority Reviews Pool Spending, Approves New Upgrades

On Wednesday morning, the Jasper Redevelopment Authority made some decisions about pool expenditures in preparation for the coming season.

The board authorized a claim of $840.56 for the purchase of speakers for the pool building. The purchase was approved at the last meeting. There is approximately $1.3 million remaining in the pool account. Expected incoming expenses include a $475,000 claim from Taber Owens, as well as an additional $250,000 in pool-related expenditures requested by Park Department Director Tom Moorman at the last meeting. Those expenses would also go through Taber Owens, and that claim would be paid through the account.

This is expected to leave approximately $700,000 available in the account. A calculation will be performed to ensure that no additional payments are owed to the IRS for earnings. Once that is confirmed, the city can decide whether they will make any additional purchases or complete any projects that are related to the pool’s general operating expenses.

Moorman presented a new list of items for approval for an estimated cost of $132,000. This includes concrete and fencing to expand the deck area on the southwest corner of the pool. Wireless gate alarms will be added to the gate surrounding the pool to prevent patrons from allowing entry to people outside by opening the gate. The department also plans to purchase additional lounge chairs and install lights on the buildings. There is a safety requirement that pool lights be illuminated whenever there is water in the pool. Moorman said that they would like to use flood lights on the building because the pool lights are very bright for the homes in the surrounding neighborhood. A coating also needs to be added to the south pool wall. A company has been identified that can guarantee the work for 10 years, which was preferable to re-staining the concrete every 2 years.

A brief discussion was held about lifeguard availability. Moorman said that he had a conversation with Holiday World last week. They also expressed difficulty in securing enough lifeguards, saying that it was one of their biggest challenges. When using younger staff, it was noted that retention is a challenge. Moorman said, “It’s a common theme around everywhere – you have a pool, it’s tough to get lifeguards.”

City Attorney Renee Kabrick reminded attendees that the status of the Regional Wellness Center will be a topic at the next City Council meeting. One of the next steps being presented is the financing process. This will be the same as what was used for the swimming pool, involving a lease between the Redevelopment Authority and the Redevelopment Commission. The first step in that process would be the approval of the lease in January by the Redevelopment Commission, followed by approval by the Redevelopment Authority.

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.

- By Drew Hasselbring